UAE becomes first regional buyer of Brazilian military transport aircraft

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer said it expects to secure additional defence deals in the Middle East after a landmark agreement with the United Arab Emirates for up to 20 C-390 military transport aircraft.

According to Reuters, the deal, valued at about $1bn, includes 10 firm orders and 10 options, making the UAE the first regional buyer of the aircraft.

“The Middle East is a strategic region for us,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, head of defence and security at Embraer.

The UAE already operates transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and the new deal is expected to strengthen its military airlift capabilities.